Senior Tar Heels hear from Raleigh officials

By John Thompson

Published: Friday, June 14, 2013 at 07:40 PM.

To the editor:

During the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature meeting in Raleigh, delegates and alternates were briefed on Medicaid reform and plans for expanding Project CARE (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty).

Unfortunately, the expansion of one program might mean possible cuts in other vital programs.

The keynote speaker — Dr. Aldona Wos, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, indicated North Carolina leaders are making Medicaid reform a top priority because of its massive cost and drain on other programs in the state.

Currently, Medicaid, the public health care system, costs the state $36 million a day. Secretary Wos identified three Medicaid modifications: create a system that is sustainable and predictable in its cost; provide a better information technology system that reduces bureaucratic burden on health care providers; and provide medical care for the patient as a whole.

Secretary Wos hopes to “create a system of care where seniors are supported where ever they choose to live.”

Dennis Streets, director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services, reported on state budget developments and their implications for services for older adults. The General Assembly has proposed to transfer a portion of Home and Community Care Block Grant funds to expand Project CARE. This program is designed to offer respite care and support for loved ones and family members who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

During the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature meeting in Raleigh, delegates and alternates were briefed on Medicaid reform and plans for expanding Project CARE (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty).

Unfortunately, the expansion of one program might mean possible cuts in other vital programs.

The keynote speaker — Dr. Aldona Wos, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, indicated North Carolina leaders are making Medicaid reform a top priority because of its massive cost and drain on other programs in the state.

Currently, Medicaid, the public health care system, costs the state $36 million a day. Secretary Wos identified three Medicaid modifications: create a system that is sustainable and predictable in its cost; provide a better information technology system that reduces bureaucratic burden on health care providers; and provide medical care for the patient as a whole.

Secretary Wos hopes to “create a system of care where seniors are supported where ever they choose to live.”

Dennis Streets, director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services, reported on state budget developments and their implications for services for older adults. The General Assembly has proposed to transfer a portion of Home and Community Care Block Grant funds to expand Project CARE. This program is designed to offer respite care and support for loved ones and family members who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

This support can help individuals stay at home longer rather than being placed in an institution. If the $500,000 is approved, DAAS will be well positioned to offer the program in all 100 counties.

Unfortunately, the House and Senate’s proposed reduction in funding for the HCCBG could mean fewer services funded by the block grant, including nutrition, transportation, adult day care, legal aide, housing improvements and in-home aide services. Streets stated “there’s nothing to give up in the block grant. Right now there are 16,000 seniors who are waiting for services that are funded by the grant.”

In addition, nearly 60 percent of county aging service providers face a reduction in funding.

The Friends of Senior Tar Heels is one step closer to launching the new website. The site contains information about the STHL including its history, contact information, priorities, press releases, and links to helpful sites. The site should be ready within the next few weeks.

One delegate and one alternate represent every older adult in the state’s 100-counties. Please feel free to contact your local representative or the Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging. In Onslow County, contact delegate Marge Zima at 910-324-1444. In Carteret County, you can contact delegate John Thompson at 252-726-7221 or email: johnt@ec.rr.com . You can contact Tonya Cedars, the regional AAA Director at 1-800-824-4648.